BIRCH HARBOR — Gardner E. Gray, 86, born March 2, 1926, son of Seth and Gertrude (Cornforth) Gray, passed into the next life Monday, May 7, 2012, from his residence in Birch Harbor.

Gardner was a graduate of Steuben High School, Class of 1944. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1944 to 1945. In August 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After being discharged from the Air Force he returned home and began lobster fishing and herring seining. He was also a much sought after boat builder. He retired from lobster fishing in 2001.

Gardner will be sadly missed by his daughter, Lora (Gray) Cotton and partner, Derek Blodgett, of Peru, Maine; his son, Robert and wife, Theresa, of Birch Harbor; three grandchildren Eric Cotton of Orono; Thomas Gardner of Birch Harbor; and Robyn Gray and partner, Jeremy Cote, of Bangor; sister, Joyce (Gray) Nash of Milbridge; and several nieces and nephews. In 1979, he was predeceased by his wife, Elsie (Lindsey) Gray. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Barbara (Gray) Schuppien, Marilyn (Gray) Ray and brother, Milton Gray.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. May 19, 2012, at the Birch Harbor Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, attention: Gift Processing. Arrangements by Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Homes, Ellsworth.